Analysis
Queens College's International Business program appears positioned in the middle of New York's range—similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $48,600, putting it well behind private competitors like Fordham ($65,131) but ahead of some state schools. The estimated $21,500 in debt is notably lower than both state and national medians for this degree, which matters when you're earning at the lower end of the scale.
That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates from comparable programs could manage their loans with roughly five months of first-year income—a reasonable threshold by most standards. However, the wide variation among New York's International Business programs reveals something important: your school choice and subsequent career positioning matter enormously in this field. The $13,000 gap between Queens' estimated outcomes and nearby Baruch's reported figures suggests that employer networks and location within the city may play outsized roles in graduate success.
For a family evaluating this investment, the modest debt load provides a safety net that more expensive programs don't offer. The nearly 70% admission rate and high Pell grant enrollment indicate Queens serves students who might not access pricier alternatives—and at this debt level, the risk of starting a business career is considerably lower than borrowing $35,000+ elsewhere. Just recognize you're betting on building your own opportunities rather than riding an elite program's reputation into the job market.
Where CUNY Queens College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,538 | $48,597* | — | $21,500* | — | |
| $61,992 | $65,131* | — | $23,250* | 0.36 | |
| $51,424 | $61,228* | $71,688 | $25,000* | 0.41 | |
| $7,464 | $52,290* | $64,899 | $9,644* | 0.18 | |
| $8,576 | $44,903* | — | —* | — | |
| $28,600 | $37,437* | $50,489 | $43,951* | 1.17 | |
| National Median | — | $49,890* | — | $23,472* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with international business graduates
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Business Operations Specialists, All Other
Business Continuity Planners
Sustainability Specialists
Online Merchants
Security Management Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At CUNY Queens College, approximately 48% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.